On the other hand, I do carry a 357 for defense against bears, as a backup to bear spray, but only for those few weeks in spring when the bears are first out and hungry or for those occasional bike trips miles back from the roads later during the summer. When I carry, I carry this beauty. It's a Kimber K6s 357 revolver (yes, Kimber makes a revolver) with a 3" barrel. This makes my second K6s. My first was the standard 2" barrel version, but when this 3" barrel version came out, traded for it. Prefer the balance and handling on the 3".
No doubt about it, this is an expensive revolver. Going apples to apples, you'd have to compare it to an all steel S&W J frame 357 Performance Center model, not their standard line. Price points would then be in the same ball park. Having owned several S&W PC J frame 357s and now two of these Kimbers, the comparison goes like this.
The action is smoother on the Kimber, the trigger is better, and most of all, have never had light strike, FTF issues with either Kimber, but I have had light strike issues with several S&W PC models. In addition, all edges on the Kimber have been smoothed. That, along with the DAO, no exposed hammer setup on the Kimber, makes it as snag proof as a revolver can be.
Much prefer the sights on a Kimber. They're far better than the skimpy fixed gutter sights on standard Smiths and they are much less prone to snagging and more durable than the standard adjustable sights on a Smith.
Another thing I like with the Kimber K6s is that it's a 6 shooter, not a 5 shooter that you get with all Smith J frames. Not a big deal, maybe, but it does give me confidence to have an extra shot.
When I carry, I carry the K6s 3" in this excellent ETW holster made, specifically, for this version of the Kimber. Outstanding holster. Drawing the Kimber is fast and effortless.
Okay, all the features in the world aren't worth beans if the gun won't shoot. This is where the Kimber really shines. Both Kimbers I've owned are stunningly accurate for a small frame 357s, weighing in at about 25 ounces and I'm talking 357s, here, not 38s. I've never fed either Kimber anything but 357s. I carry a 357 to shoot 357s, not 38s. Best of all, the Kimber K6s LOVES the 180 grain HSM bear loads. Remember, this is a DAO, but a truly GREAT DAO trigger. No single action shooting with a Kimber.
Just a touch high up close with the 180s.
Closer to POA at 20 yards.
This accuracy took a bit of working with my grip to learn what this little Kimber likes, not to mention handling the 357 recoil, but I've got it down, now, to where even the hottest 357 won't hurt. Recoil is sharp, to be sure, but very manageable with the right grip. Can easily go 50 rounds in a session and want more.
Even with great features and performance, I learned long ago that I won't keep a gun unless it's also something I really enjoy shooting. Has to be a gun I WANT to shoot and keep on shooting. Has to be fun for me. The Kimber has that in spades. Just draw and shoot, reload and keep on shooting, as fast as you want. Just like this. Fun, fun, fun.
One of my favorites, now, bear or no bear.
